We had done a lot of research on line and Ron had logged on to several forums asking about last minute reservations near or in Yosemite. All the CG’s in Yosemite are booked a year in advance and the surrounding areas, we were told would also be full. OOPHS! Where would we stay without reservations?
Ron picked up a hint on a forum and we called Yosemite Lakes CG and got right in. The good news is the CG is only 5 miles outside of the West entrance – the bad news – $52.00 per night. OH well, sometimes you just have to pay, especially without reservations.
On our way into Yosemite and the CG we had to climb a fairly steep incline on route 120. Little did we realize that because neither of us was being diligent we took the old Priest Pass not the new one and it was brutal. There was a sign stating no vehicles over 7500 pounds and the Tom Tom was chirping bear to the right but we didn't. OMG!!!!!!!!!! The ride up that road was horrendous and Ron was stressing along with the MH. Very narrow, winding with 1000 foot drops. Thank goodness we didn’t meet any other big vehicles on the hairpin turns.
We almost missed the CG because the GPS was telling us it was another five miles down the road but Ron just happened to spot the sign as we were passing by it. I, as the navigator failed 100% in my duties twice already. SOOOOOO, we had to unhook the car so Ron could maneuver the MH into the lot and down the road to the CG.
While in the office we mentioned that we came up the old Priest Pass and everyone nearly dropped their teeth with eyes literally bugging out of their heads. One girl asked if we made it. DUH, we were there weren’t we with our MH!!!!
Later we found out that there is a hefty fine ($1,400.00) if we were caught coming up that road. No excuses, just fined. They told us that someone else came up that road, blew out the engine in his MH and when the police arrived he was fined and charged with four counts of child endangerment. That should be an indication of how bad the road is. We were just lucky none of those things happened to us. Ron hates doing stupid things so he was bummed out the rest of the day.
Yosemite Lakes CG is actually a Thousand Trails facility and generally you have to be a member to get in. They did have some sites for non-members but our MH was too big so they let us in the member area. We were told to keep it quiet that we were not members. The place is listed as a resort – not so much. In great need of updating but we were certainly happy to have a site at all and so close to the entrance too.
We settled in and then took a ride to the valley. Once inside the gate it is another 25 miles to the valley. Nothing is very close so we were happy not to have to stay too far outside the park. They were doing a controlled burn so we got to drive through the smoke.
We got to the valley and were amazed at the volume of people, cars and congestion. We are not crazy about crowds and it was nothing but crowds, in the street, in cars everywhere, everywhere.
We did get to stop (lucky to get a space for the car because of good timing) and marvel at the beauty around us
The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is spectacular and made of solid granite. All through the valley there were monoliths that awed.
One spot allowed you to see several monoliths that are representative of the entire park and one of the main tourist attractions. Unfortunately, the enormity of them could not be captured in photos.
We had to drive through several tunnels carved in the mountainsides. Most were of average size but one was particularly long and took a while to get through.
There were so many waterfalls flowing over the tops of the mountains. Each beautiful in its own way. The rivers were flowing heavily and interestingly enough the valley was flooded just weeks ago during the snow melt.
After taking in the valley views we opted to ride out to Glacier Point. The signs in the valley are a little vague and once you see a sign directing you to where you want to go there is no other sign to further direct you. We felt like we were in “Groundhog Day” because by following the signs we kept going in circles. We finally figured out that they only direct you to your destination every other sign so finally got on the road to Glacier Point. LOL
Glacier Point, we were told, was a do not miss. We were very surprised at how long it takes to get from the valley to Glacier Point. Nothing in Yosemite is within close proximity to each other.
Our first stop just before Glacier Point was Washburn Point. Nothing shabby about those views either.
Washburn Point Overlook
Just up the road was Glacier Point a place that the most famous pictures of Yosemite have been taken showing the peaks of its most popular mountains. The sun was setting behind us so you could see the reflection of its rays over the peaks. While there, a ranger gave a very interesting presentation on the peaks and how they were named.
Watching the reflection of the sun as it washed over Half-Dome was mesmerizing.
There was a haze starting to blanket the area so it made everything look ethereal.
We left Glacier Point around 9 PM. The drive back to the CG took us about 90 minutes. The roads are steep and windy and very very dark once the sun sets. Driving back through the valley we were awed at how amazing El Capitan looked in the dark with just minimal light shining behind it from the moon. We noticed bright lights on the wall of El Capitan and realized that rock climbers were spending the night suspended in their hammocks on the side . No Thank-You. Those guys either have incredible guts or a death wish.
Back at the MH we had a very light dinner and planned for the next day. We hit the sack for some very needed sleep.
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